The allure of a kamado grill is undeniable – who wouldn’t want to slow-cook their favorite dishes to perfection while bringing an oceanic smoky flavor to the table? Amidst the dizzying array of options, pinpointing the ideal grill can be a challenge. That’s where our thorough guide comes in, dedicated to guiding you through the selection process and uncovering the top-notch performers in the world of kamado grills.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard barbecue novice, investing in a high-quality kamado grill can take your outdoor cooking to the next level. From the classic Big Green Egg to innovative models like the Kamado Joe, there’s a kamado grill out there for every taste and budget. In this article, we’ll explore the features and benefits of the best kamado grills, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.

Best Kamado Grills

If you’re in the market for the best kamado grill, you’ve got some excellent options to choose from. Kamado grills have exploded in popularity over the last few years, and for good reason. These versatile cookers let you grill, smoke, and even bake – all with that delicious charcoal flavor.

Award yourself the title of “Grill Master” by choosing from my curated selection of the best kamado grills. Whether a pro or newbie, you’ll find an option that suits your grilling needs.

1. Primo Oval XL 400 Charcoal Ceramic Kamado Grill

• Features: This grill is known for its premium ceramic construction, which ensures superior heat retention and even cooking. It offers ample space for grilling and smoking, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
• Ideal For: BBQ enthusiasts who prioritize durability, versatility, and exceptional cooking performance.
• Link: Primo Oval XL 400

2. Blaze Grills 20-Inch Cast Aluminum Charcoal Kamado Grill

• Features: Made from durable cast aluminum, this kamado grill offers excellent heat retention and durability. It includes a stainless steel cooking grate and a hinged lid for easy access.
• Ideal For: Those seeking a high-quality kamado grill with a lighter weight and modern design.
• Link: Blaze Grills 20-Inch

3. Kamado Joe Big Joe III 24-Inch Charcoal Ceramic Kamado Grill

• Features: The Big Joe III offers a large cooking surface and innovative features like the SloRoller Hyperbolic Smoke Chamber for optimal smoke distribution. It’s crafted from high-quality ceramic for exceptional heat retention.
• Ideal For: Serious grillers looking for a spacious kamado grill with advanced smoking capabilities.
• Link: Kamado Joe Big Joe III

4. Weber Grills Summit 24-Inch Kamado S6 Charcoal Grill Center

• Features: This kamado grill combines Weber’s quality craftsmanship with innovative design. It includes features like a Snap-Jet gas ignition system and a large cooking area with stainless steel grates.
• Ideal For: Grill enthusiasts who appreciate high-end features and a stylish, integrated design.
• Link: Weber Grills Summit 24-Inch

5. Kamado Joe Classic Joe III 18-Inch Charcoal Ceramic Kamado Grill

• Features: Compact yet powerful, the Classic Joe III offers excellent heat control and durability. It features the Air Lift Hinge for easy opening and is perfect for smaller outdoor spaces.
• Ideal For: Those who want the performance of a larger kamado grill in a more compact size.
• Link: Kamado Joe Classic Joe III

6. Everdure by Heston K1 18-Inch Cast Aluminum Charcoal Kamado Grill

• Features: Designed by Heston Blumenthal, this grill combines elegance and functionality with its sleek design and efficient cooking capabilities. It’s made from cast aluminum for durability and heat retention.
• Ideal For: Grillers who appreciate stylish design and precise temperature control.
• Link: Everdure by Heston K1

Kamado Joe Grills

If you’re a fan of kamado grills, chances are you’ve heard of Kamado Joe. With their commitment to quality and innovation, it’s no wonder their grills are all the rage.

Kamado Joe Grill Lineup

• Kamado Joe Classic II & III
• Kamado Joe Konnected Joe Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker
• Kamado Joe Joe Jr.

The Kamado Joe Classic II and III are their flagship ceramic grills. You get a premium 18″ cooking surface, a best-in-class multi-level divide & conquer system for cooking flexibility, and an air lift hinge that reduces the dome weight by 96%. I’ve cooked on these beauties and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

For the tech lovers, there’s the Kamado Joe Konnected Joe. This 18″ smart grill connects to your phone so you can monitor and control every aspect of your cook remotely. It’s pretty wild.

Need something a little more portable? The Kamado Joe Jr clocks in at just 13.5″ but still packs the power and efficiency of its bigger siblings. Perfect for tailgates or camping trips.

I’m often asked how Kamado Joe stacks up to other popular kamado brands like Big Green Egg and Monolith. While the performance is pretty comparable, I give the edge to Kamado Joe for their innovative accessories and attention to detail. That said, you really can’t go wrong with any of these top kamado grill brands.

The bottom line is, if you’re looking for a best-in-class kamado grill, you need to take a hard look at Kamado Joe. From the Classic II to the Big Joe to the Joe Jr, they have a grill for every need and budget. The quality and performance are top-notch across the board.

Key Takeaway:

Think of your search for the perfect kamado grill like planning a backyard BBQ – you need the right tools to serve up mouth-watering dishes. Invest in a top-rated grill that checks all the boxes: superior heat retention, durable build, and versatile cooking options, just like the Kamado Joe Classic II or Big Green Egg Large.

Big Green Egg Kamado Grills

When it comes to the best kamado grills, the Big Green Egg is a top contender. This iconic green egg shaped grill has been a favorite among backyard chefs for decades.

If you’re poring over Big Green Egg size options, you’ve likely stumbled upon the Large and MiniMax. Worthy representations of their parent brand, these twosome standouts benefit from distinct designs and strengths. Let’s take a closer look at what makes them special.

Big Green Egg 18.5-inch

The 18.5-inch Big Green Egg is the perfect size for most families. It offers 262 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to cook a 20-pound turkey or 12 burgers at once.

At the heart of the Big Green Egg lies its ability to multitask. Whether you’re craving smoky delights, grilled mains, or savory roasts, this cooker’s ceramic core consistently delivers heat retention, fueling precision cooking for hours.

Big Green Egg Large

If you need even more cooking space, the Big Green Egg Large might be the right choice for you. With 452 square inches of cooking area, it’s big enough to handle a crowd.

Upon choosing the potent Large Big Green Egg egg kamado grill, cooks and chefs alike will feast their senses on a culinary landscape ever-expanding with possibilities. Equipped with such innovative extras as the adaptable convEGGtor and carefully calibrated pizza stone, even the earth’s elemental forces reigo via wondrous dishes transformed through time.

Big Green Egg MiniMax

Grilling enthusiasts who crave flexibility and portability will love the Big Green Egg MiniMax. This versatile grill may be small in stature, but it’s mighty when it comes to cooking a variety of dishes.

The MiniMax has 133 square inches of cooking space, which is enough to cook a 12-pound turkey or 4 burgers. It’s the perfect size for tailgating, camping, or small balcony spaces. Plus, the 13 inch egg minimax ceramic grill is built with the same high-quality materials as its larger counterparts.

Contact enthusiasts of outdoor cooking and the topic of top-rated grills often comes up. One of the names that always rises to the top is the Big Green Egg, renowned for its dependable performance and remarkable versatility.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kamado Grill

When shopping for the best kamado grills, there are several key factors to keep in mind. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether to go with a ceramic or metal kamado grill.

Ceramic vs. Metal

‘Heat and hold’ might be a distant memory for metal grill owners, whereas ceramic’s proprietary magic unlocks unyielding heat retention – allowing owners to maintain warmth for as long as necessary. Reliable and long-lasting, ceramic grills are slowly stealing the spotlight from their stigmatized metal counterparts.

Metal kamados, usually made from stainless steel or aluminum, are lighter weight and often less expensive. An aluminum kamado may heat up faster, but won’t hold temperatures as steadily as ceramic. However, metal provides strength and crack-resistance.

Grilling Surface Area

Consider how much cooking space you need. Kamado grills typically range from 18 to 24 inches in diameter. A 22 to 24 inch cooking grate provides plenty of room for entertaining.

Look at the distance between the charcoal and cooking grates too. Around 10-12 inches is ideal for both high-heat grilling and low and slow smoking. Some kamados include a heat deflector plate to help with temperature control for indirect cooking.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Keeping your kamado clean is important for top performance. An ash pan makes it easy to remove spent charcoal dust and ash. Some models have a slide-out ash drawer for even simpler cleanup.

Look for a high-quality gasket that creates a tight seal between the lid and base. A leaky gasket means less efficient heat retention. Gaskets may need replacing every few years.

Warranty

With a significant investment like a kamado grill, you want solid warranty coverage. Top ceramic kamado brands offer a limited lifetime warranty on the ceramic parts.

Honing in on the metal components of your grill, such as the cast iron framework, reveals a warranty period of 5+ years. Register your grill promptly to unlock the advantages of this guarantee.

How to Use a Kamado Grill

Once you’ve chosen from the best kamado grills for your needs, it’s time to fire it up. Here are the basics of using your kamado for grilling and smoking.

How to Start a Kamado Grill

The key to lighting a kamado grill is building a small, hot fire to start. Here’s how:

1. Open the bottom vent and remove the cooking grates.
2. Place a fire starter on the charcoal grate and pile a few handfuls of lump charcoal on top.
3. Light the fire starter and let the charcoal catch for about 10 minutes.
4. Once the coals are lit, add more lump charcoal and replace the cooking grates.
5. Close the lid and adjust the top and bottom vents to reach your target internal temperature.

Avoid lighter fluid which can impart an off-putting chemical flavor to your food. Use an electric starter or natural fire starters instead.

How to Smoke using your Kamado Grill

Saying goodbye to mediocre barbecue isn’t just about cooking with a kamado; it’s about recognizing the potential of your grill and pushing yourself to new heights. It all starts with setting up your kamado for smoking, and our expert guide will walk you through the process.

1. Place the heat deflector on the charcoal grate to provide indirect heat.
2. Add a few wood chunks to the outer edges of the charcoal for smoke flavor.
3. Adjust the vents to maintain a temperature between 225-275°F.
4. Place your meat on the cooking grate above the deflector plate.
5. Close the lid and let the kamado work its magic, resisting the urge to open it frequently.

You can smoke a variety of foods on your kamado, from juicy pulled pork to fall-off-the-bone ribs to crispy chicken wings. Experiment with different wood flavors like hickory, apple, or mesquite.

Cleaning and Maintaining your Kamado Grill

With their high-fired ceramic construction, kamado grills are built to last. But regular maintenance will keep yours in top shape for years to come.

After each cook, brush the cooking grates clean with a grill brush. Once the grill has fully cooled, empty the ash pan. If your kamado doesn’t have an ash pan, carefully scoop out the spent ashes from the bottom vent.

Check the felt gasket periodically and replace it if it becomes worn or damaged. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Cover your kamado when not in use to protect it from the elements.

Chef-grade meals are within your reach when you cook with a top-notch kamado grill like the Kamado Joe Classic III or the Big Green Egg Large. Make a smart investment and indulge in your love of grilling.

Conclusion

When it comes to outdoor cooking, few things compare to the versatility and flavor of a kamado grill. These ceramic cookers have been around for centuries, but they’ve experienced a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to their ability to deliver restaurant-quality results in your own backyard. Whether you’re smoking a brisket, grilling burgers, or even baking a pizza, the best kamado grills can do it all.

Of course, with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which kamado grill is right for you. That’s why it’s important to consider factors like size, price, and features when making your decision. But no matter which model you choose, investing in a high-quality kamado grill is sure to take your outdoor cooking game to the next level. So fire up the coals, grab your favorite ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate backyard grilling with one of the best kamado grills on the market today.